A client has been hospitalized for multiple sclerosis exacerbation and is being given high dose IV glucocorticoid steroid medications. The prescriber places new orders for weight based sliding scale insulin. The patient asks why they need insulin. Are they now diabetic? What is the nurse's best response?

Insulin is commonly given to all hospitalized clients.

You likely developed diabetes prior to hospitalization, but are just now being diagnosed.

You have developed type 1 diabetes and will need insulin for the rest of your life.

Glucocorticoid steroid medications can cause temporary hyperglycemia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because insulin is not commonly given to all hospitalized clients. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels in the body. It is only given to clients who have diabetes or other conditions that cause high blood sugar, such as pancreatitis, sepsis, or steroid therapy. The nurse should explain the indication and purpose of insulin to the client and not make false or misleading statements.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because the client did not likely develop diabetes prior to hospitalization, but are just now being diagnosed. Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can be diagnosed by measuring the blood sugar levels, the hemoglobin A1c levels, or the oral glucose tolerance test. The nurse should not assume or imply that the client has diabetes without proper testing and confirmation.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because the client did not develop type 1 diabetes and will not need insulin for the rest of their life. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a complete lack of insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence, and requires lifelong insulin therapy. The nurse should not diagnose or predict the client's condition without evidence or authority.

Choice D reason: This choice is correct because glucocorticoid steroid medications can cause temporary hyperglycemia. Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They are used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic reactions. However, they can also increase the blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to produce more glucose and reducing the sensitivity of the cells to insulin. The nurse should inform the client that the insulin is needed to control the blood sugar levels while they are on steroid therapy, and that the insulin dose may be adjusted or discontinued when the steroids are tapered or stopped.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct. Somatropin is a synthetic form of human growth hormone (HGH), which stimulates the growth of bones and tissues. It is used to treat growth deficiency in children who have low or no natural HGH. The treatment is usually stopped when the growth plates (the areas of cartilage at the ends of the long bones) fuse, which marks the end of the growth period. This usually occurs around the age of 14-18 years for boys and 12-16 years for girls.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Somatropin is not intended for life-long treatment. It is only used to correct growth deficiency in children who have low or no natural HGH. Once the growth plates fuse, the treatment is discontinued.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Somatropin is not used for weight management. It is used to treat growth deficiency in children who have low or no natural HGH. The duration of the treatment depends on the individual growth potential and response to the medication, not on the weight goal.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Somatropin is not a short-term medication. It is used to treat growth deficiency in children who have low or no natural HGH. The treatment usually lasts for several years, until the growth plates fuse.

Correct Answer is ["31"]

Explanation

To calculate the IV flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min), we can use the following steps:

Calculate the total number of minutes for the infusion:

8 hours × 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes

Determine the total number of drops needed for the infusion:

The total volume to be infused is 1000 mL.

The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL.

1000 mL × 15 gtt/mL = 15000 gtt

Calculate the IV flow rate in drops per minute:

15000 gtt ÷ 480 min ≈ 31 gtt/min

Rounding to the nearest whole number, the nurse should set the IV flow rate to deliver 31 gtt/min.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A child has been prescribed to begin treatment with somatropin for growth deficiency. His mom asks how long he will need to take this medication. What is the nurse’s best response?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["31"]

Explanation

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